© 2012 pearson education, inc. 4 c h a p t e r carbohydrates: plant-derived energy nutrients and in...

© 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

4C H A P T E R

Carbohydrates:Carbohydrates:Plant-Derived Energy Plant-Derived Energy

NutrientsNutrientsand In Depthand In Depth


What Are Carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates One of the three macronutrients An important energy source, especially for nerve

cells Composed of the atoms carbon, hydrogen, oxygen Good sources include fruits and vegetables



Glucose The most abundant carbohydrate Produced by plants through photosynthesis Found in plants as a component of disaccharides

and complex carbohydrates Principal form of carbohydrate found in blood


Photosynthesis

Figure 4.1



Simple carbohydrates contain one or two molecules Monosaccharides contain only one molecule

Glucose, fructose, galactose

Disaccharides contain two molecules Lactose, maltose, sucrose


Monosaccharides

Figure 4.2


Disaccharides

Figure 4.3



Complex carbohydrates Long chains of glucose molecules Also called polysaccharides Starch, glycogen, most fibers

PLAYPLAY Carbohydrates


Complex Carbohydrates

Figure 4.4



Starch Plants store glucose as polysaccharides in the form

of starch Our cells cannot use complex starch molecules as

they exist in plants So, we digest (break down) starch to glucose Grains, legumes, and tubers are good sources of

dietary starch



Glycogen Animals store glucose as glycogen Stored in our bodies in the liver and muscles Not found in food and therefore not a source of

dietary carbohydrate



Fiber Dietary fiber: the non-digestible part of plants

Grains, rice, seeds, legumes, fruits

Functional fiber: carbohydrate with known health effects, which is extracted from plants and added to foods Cellulose, guar gum, pectin, psyllium

Total fiber = dietary + functional fiber



Dietary fiber is also classified by solubility

Soluble fiber Dissolves in water Easily digested by bacteria in the colon Found in citrus fruits, berries, oats, and beans Reduces risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2

diabetes by lowering blood cholesterol and glucose levels



Insoluble fibers Generally do not dissolve in water Found in whole grains (e.g., wheat, rye, brown

rice), the husk of grains, and many vegetables Promote regular bowel movements, alleviate

constipation, and reduce risk for diverticulosis



Figure 4.6


Why Do We Need Carbohydrates?

Energy Fuel daily activity Fuel exercise Help preserve (“spare”) protein for other uses Sources high in fiber reduce risk for obesity



Energy Each gram of carbohydrate = 4 kcal Red blood cells rely only on glucose for their

energy supply Both carbohydrates and fats supply energy for daily

activities Glucose is especially important for energy during

exercise During intense exercise, carbohydrate will supply

two-thirds or more of the total energy needed



Energy Sufficient energy intake from carbohydrates

prevents production of ketones as an alternate energy source

Excessive ketones can result in high blood acidity and ketoacidosis

High blood acidity damages body tissues



Fiber May reduce the risk of colon cancer May reduce the risk of heart disease Can enhance weight loss Helps prevents hemorrhoids, constipation, and

diverticulosis



Figure 4.7


Digestion of Carbohydrates

Salivary amylase An enzyme in saliva Begins the process of breaking starch down to

maltose The acidic environment found in the stomach

inactivates this enzyme

PLAYPLAY Carbohydrate Digestion

PLAYPLAY Carbohydrate Absorption



Most chemical digestion of carbohydrates occurs in the small intestine

Pancreatic amylase Enzyme produced in the pancreas and secreted into

the small intestine Enzymatically digests starch to maltose



Additional enzymes secreted by cells that line the small intestine (mucosal cells) digest disaccharides to monosaccharides

These enzymes include maltase, sucrase, and lactase

Monosaccharides are absorbed into the cells lining the small intestine and then enter the bloodstream



Figure 4.8



Most monosaccharides are converted to glucose by the liver

Glucose is released into the bloodstream to provide immediate energy

Excess glucose is converted to glycogen and stored in the liver and muscles


Storage of Glycogen

Figure 4.9



Humans do not have the enzymes necessary to digest fiber

Bacteria in the large intestine can break down some fiber

Most fiber remains undigested and is eliminated with feces

PLAYPLAY Diverticulosis and Fiber


Regulation of Blood Glucose

The level of glucose in the blood is closely regulated within a fairly narrow range

Two hormones, insulin and glucagon, control the level of glucose in the blood

PLAYPLAY Blood Glucose


Regulation of Blood Glucose: Insulin

Insulin A hormone secreted by the pancreas Transported in our blood throughout the body Helps transport glucose from the blood into cells Stimulates the liver and muscles to take up glucose

and convert it to glycogen


Regulation of Blood Glucose: Insulin

Figure 4.10a


Regulation of Blood Glucose: Glucagon

Glucagon Another hormone secreted by the pancreas Stimulates the breakdown of glycogen to glucose to

make glucose available to cells of the body Stimulates gluconeogenesis—the production of

“new” glucose from amino acids


Regulation of Blood Glucose: Glucagon

Figure 4.10b


Regulation of Blood Glucose

Glycemic index A measure of a food’s ability to raise blood glucose

levels Foods with a low glycemic index

Cause mild fluctuations in blood glucose level Are better for people with diabetes Are generally higher in fiber May reduce the risk of heart disease, colon cancer, and

prostate cancer


How Much Carbohydrate?

Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) is 130 g/day just to supply the brain with glucose

45–65% of daily calorie intake should be in the form of carbohydrates

Focus on foods high in fiber and low in added sugars



Most Americans eat too much added sugar Sugars added to foods during processing or

preparation Most common source is soft drinks Typical sources are cookies, candy, fruit drinks Unexpected sources include peanut butter, flavored

rice mixes, canned soups Added sugars are not chemically different from

naturally occurring sugars, but have fewer vitamins



Problems associated with eating too much sugar: Can cause dental problems and tooth decay No association with childhood hyperactivity

proven; long-term effects not known Associated with increased levels of “bad

cholesterol” Associated with decreased levels of “good

cholesterol” Does not cause diabetes but may contribute to

obesity



Most Americans eat far too little fiber-rich carbohydrate

The Adequate Intake (AI) of fiber is 14 grams per 1,000 kcal in the diet daily (or, 25 g for women; 38 g for men)

Whole-grain foods (grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes) are much more healthful sources than foods with added sugar or fiber

How Much Sugar? Cutting Excess From Your Diet


Alternative Sweeteners

Nutritive sweeteners Contain 4 kcal energy per gram Sucrose, fructose, honey, brown sugar

Sugar alcohols Contain 2–3 kcal energy per gram Have decreased glycemic response and increase

risk for tooth caries

Non-nutritive (alternative) sweeteners Provide little or no energy Developed to sweeten foods without usual risks


Alternative Sweeteners

No Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) has been set for saccharin (e.g., “Sweet ‘N Low”), but it has been removed from the list of cancer-causing agents

ADIs have been established for: aspartame (e.g., “Equal”) acesulfame-K (e.g., “Sweet One,” “Sunette”) sucralose (e.g., “Splenda”)

Jump Start Your Diet: Put More Fiber on Your Plate ?


In Depth: Diabetes

Diabetes Inability to regulate blood glucose levels Three types

Type 1 diabetes Type 2 diabetes Gestational diabetes

Uncontrolled diabetes can cause infections, nerve damage, kidney damage, blindness, seizures, stroke, cardiovascular disease, and can be fatal


In Depth: Diabetes


In Depth: Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes Accounts for about 10% of all cases Body does not produce enough insulin Creates high blood sugar (glucose) levels Key warning sign is frequent urination May lead to ketoacidosis, coma, death May be an autoimmune disease Most frequently diagnosed in adolescents Has a genetic link


In Depth: Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes Develops progressively over time Body cells become insensitive or unresponsive to

insulin Obesity is most common trigger Variations include insulin resistance, impaired

fasting glucose, and pre-diabetes Eventually the pancreas may become unable to

produce any insulin


In Depth: Diabetes

Who is at risk? Obesity, genetics, physical inactivity, and poor diet

increase overall risk Metabolic syndrome (high waist circumference,

high blood pressure, high blood lipids and glucose) increases risk for type 2 diabetes

Increased age increases risks, but younger people and even children are now commonly diagnosed


In Depth: Diabetes

Prevention and control Eat a healthful diet, get daily exercise, keep a

healthful body weight Eating slightly fewer carbohydrates and slightly

more protein and fat may help regulate blood glucose levels; consult a dietician


In Depth: Diabetes

Prevention and control Avoid alcoholic beverages, which can cause

hypoglycemia Healthful lifestyle choices can prevent or delay

onset of type 2 diabetes Oral medications and/or insulin injections may be

required once diabetes has been diagnosed

© 2012 pearson education, inc. 4 c h a p t e r carbohydrates: plant-derived energy nutrients and in...

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